Tata Altroz, that made a global debut last year at the 2019 Geneva Motorshow has been launched in India and the prices begin at Rs 5.29 lakh ex-showroom for the base trim petrol and go all the way up to Rs 9.29 lakh ex-showroom for the top-spec diesel variant. The Altroz is positioned beside Hyundai Elite i20, Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Volkswagen Polo and the Honda Jazz. However, to make things simpler, we'll pitch the Tata Altroz against the Hyundai Elite i20 and the Maruti Suzuki Baleno on paper and compare all their petrol variants only.

Engine and Drivetrain

All the hatchback in our comparo displace the same amount (1.2-litre), but the Altroz gets an in-line three-cylinder engine whereas the other two have an inline-four engine layout.

Given an automatic transmission is an added convenience in an urban runabout, the Hyundai Elite i20 and the Maruti Suzuki Baleno get a choice of an optional automatic. The Tata Altroz, however, is offered with a manual gearbox only but can be expected with an automatic in due course of time.

Power figures

The power rating of the mentioned hatchbacks is in the 83-90PS ballpark. With the Hyundai Elite i20 producing the least power output at 83PS. The Baleno with its new dual-fuel injected engine produces the highest 89.73PS and the Altroz sits right in the middle with 86PS to offer.

Dimensions

While the Baleno sports the highest overall length, the Elite i20 has the longest wheelbase. However, the highest length, width and height not necessarily transform in the most useable space. And we shall answer the question of who has better space management when we compare the Tata Altroz to its rivals soon.

Pricing

Before the Tata Altroz, Hyundai Elite i20 was the most affordable hatchback in the comparo, but the Altroz now undercuts the Elite i20. Also, the top-trim of the Altroz is the most affordable as well and undercuts the Hyundai Elite i20's pricing by almost Rs 1.5 lakh.